How Xanthan Gum is Revolutionizing Brain Organoid Production
Scientists at Stanford have made an exciting breakthrough in brain research. They’ve discovered that xanthan gum, a common food additive, can help mass-produce brain organoids—tiny, brain-like structures derived from human stem cells. This innovation is expected to enhance how researchers study brain development and related disorders.
The Wu Tsai Neuro researchers have been working on brain organoids for nearly a decade. Traditional methods often relied on actual brain tissue, making studies difficult and limited. But with organoids, researchers can create three-dimensional models in the lab, allowing them to investigate complex questions about brain functions and disorders.
A significant challenge was scaling up production. To understand brain development better and screen potential therapies, scientists needed thousands of organoids that were all uniform in size and shape. Previously, the organoids tended to stick together, complicating the process.
“We can now easily produce 10,000 organoids at once,” said Sergiu Pasca, director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program. His team identified xanthan gum as a surprisingly effective solution that prevents the organoids from clumping together.
This finding is crucial because researchers can now generate and analyze large batches for various studies, from understanding autism to testing drug effects on brain growth. In a recent study, Pasca’s team used this technique to test nearly 300 FDA-approved drugs, identifying several that could hinder brain development.
In addition, brain organoid research isn’t new. “About a dozen years ago, I could only make a few organoids at a time,” Pasca recalled, sharing how he once named them after mythological creatures. Now, thanks to collaboration among neuroscientists, chemists, and engineers, this field is advancing rapidly.
The idea of using xanthan gum shows how sometimes simple solutions can drive significant progress in science. This innovation not only enhances production but also expands research possibilities. Scientists across various labs can now replicate these methods, pushing forward the boundaries of what we know about brain health and disorders.
As research continues, the hope is to apply these techniques to even more complex conditions like epilepsy and schizophrenia. “Scaling up is essential if we want to make real progress,” Pasca emphasized.
These developments mark a key turning point in neuroscience, illustrating how new strategies and interdisciplinary teamwork can lead to remarkable advancements.
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Molecular Biology,Neuroscience,Organoids,Stanford University,Stem Cells
